Questions about my specific situation..

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#1 Post by **staind204** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 7:47 pm

Ok well here is my situation. My teeth don't necessarily look terrible so I never got braces as a child. My left top tooth (unsure what its called) is kinda "fang like". It goes up into my gums more that it should. This causes my teeth to not come together and touch when I chew. It doesn't look really noticeable unless looked at up close but I'd really like to get it fixed.
I am 21 years old and a senior in college so I obviously would not feel comfortable in big bulky metal braces. I went to an orthodontist over the summer and he didn't seem to eager to treat me. He said my only option would be to get bulky metal braces and I would have to wear a "cage" all the time and that "might fix the problem." I have seen people with teeth a lot worse than mine that aren't going around wearing a cage type thing (heck ive never seen ANYONE wearing a cage). I was not into this idea so I decided against getting braces at the time. I am thinking of seeing another orthodontist but I don't want to waste my time if I am going to get the same answer. My teeth really don't look that bad so I don't see why I couldn't get ceramic braces but the doctor I saw acted like this wasn't an option. Should I go get other opinions or do you think because my one tooth is up too far that a cage is the only way to go? Thanks!

#2 Post by **Betty Bat** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 8:00 pm

I don't really know what you mean by a "cage". Do you mean headgear?

And, yep, you should go for another consultation. If nothing else, you don't seem to be very comfortable with the ortho you talked to. It's really important to find someone you can trust.

So, go forth and get another consultation! (I'm in the holiday spirit right now)

#3 Post by **staind204** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 9:03 pm

Just as you posted that comment, I was on imageshack setting up an account so I could post a picture! Here is a link of what it looks like, hopefully this will work..

http://imgcash3.imageshack.us/Himg266/s ... &ysize=480

This is a little blurry but you get the idea. The left side of my mouth (right side of the picture) has the "fang tooth" and the parts of my teeth don't touch when I close my mouth. I think the reason the other orthodontist recommended the "cage" (still unsure what this is but I'm guessing headgear type thing) is because maybe the top of my teeth have to be actually repositioned downward so they will touch. If anyone else has had a similar situation I would like to hear your story. I may just be out of luck because I would refuse to wear headgear or whatever. Thanks again for the fast replies!

#4 Post by **where2be** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 10:24 pm

I have...or rather now had...a very similar looking fang. I'm happy to say that after just about 2 months in braces, it's very nearly fully tucked back into line. I've got one of the mainly clear self-ligating brackets and no "cage" (eek). Good luck with another consult - hope you find something that works for you!

#5 Post by **Miss Smiley** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 12:04 pm

Do you have a tongue thrust issue? The cage might be a habit crib that goes behind your teeth.

#6 Post by **staind204** » Sat Dec 22, 2007 3:19 pm

I'm unsure what this tongue thrust is, but I don't think I have anything like that. My back teeth all touch, there is just a space in between where the front teeth do not (as seen in the picture). As I understood it, the ortho I went to said they would have to move my whole top row down (kind of shift it) so that it would touch and this would require the "cage." If i remember correctly he said it clipped onto the front of the braces to actually put downward pressure on the teeth to pull them down. He said I would have to wear this all the time and it "might" fix the problem. I was not comfortable with him because he didn't seem too confident either. I have seen people with much worse looking teeth than my own wearing braces and no cage so I'm not sure what the problem is. I think the only way I would go forth in this venture is if I could get the ceramic braces. I just don't like the idea of being almost 22 years old and wearing big noticeable metal braces. Regardless I scheduled another consultation with someone else in a few weeks. Hopefully they will have better, more confident answers for me... Also thanks everyone for your input and support, it is greatly appreciated!

#7 Post by **ohmyjaw** » Sat Dec 22, 2007 3:46 pm

Hmmm.... maybe he means a cage of elastics?

I really think you should get another consultation or two...Personally, I wouldn't go for a treatment plan that "might" work. I need more certainty than that.